John and Lavina Bangs House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John and Lavina Bangs House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2759 Old Highway 34 New London, Iowa |
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| Built | 1865 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000831 |
| Added to NRHP | August 28, 2003 |
The John and Lavina Bangs House is a special old building located near New London, Iowa, in the United States. It was built way back in 1865. This house is important because it shows a unique style of building called Italianate architecture, especially for a farm home.
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What is the John and Lavina Bangs House?
The John and Lavina Bangs House was the home of John Bangs, who was a very successful farmer. This was actually the second house he built on his land. It's a large house, and its fancy style was quite unusual for a farm in those days.
Why was it special for a farm?
Most farmhouses back then were simpler. The Italianate style was often seen on grander homes in towns. Having such a stylish house on a farm, especially along a main road, might have shown that the Bangs family, or even the area itself, was moving past its early pioneer days towards a more modern and cultured way of life.
A Special Style: Italianate Architecture
The John and Lavina Bangs House is built in the Italianate style. This was a popular way to design buildings in the mid-1800s.
What does Italianate style look like?
Italianate houses often have low-pitched roofs with wide eaves (the parts that hang over the walls). They might also have tall, narrow windows, often with decorative arches above them. You might see fancy brackets under the eaves, and sometimes a square tower or cupola (a small dome-like structure) on top. This style was inspired by the beautiful villas (country homes) found in Italy.
Why is the House Important?
The John and Lavina Bangs House is considered very important for its history and architecture. Because of this, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's past and should be protected.
